Holiday Dinner Conversation Survival Guide

This year, you really can feel connected at the Thanksgiving table instead of bracing for awkward moments, family drama, or political side quests that derail the whole night. In this episode, I’m giving you a simple, repeatable plan for creating meaningful conversations around your holiday dinner table. You’ll learn how to set the emotional tone before anyone sits down, how to lead with connection instead of control, and the exact questions that can take your family deeper without stepping into landmines. I’m also showing you how to de-escalate tough moments, keep the peace, and walk away proud of how you showed up, even if someone else decides to bring the chaos.

0:00 - Why holiday dinners feel so stressful
1:45 - Step 1: Phone-free table and a mindset of peace
3:50 - Step 2: Setting the tone for meaningful conversation
5:28 - Step 3: Deeper questions that avoid drama
10:03 - When things blow up: how to stay calm and de-escalate
14:51 - Shift your goal: leaving proud of how you showed up

Special thanks to Party Q's for sponsoring this episode! Party Qs is my go-to tool for deeper conversations. You can download the app FOR FREE right now in the App Store/Google Play, or grab their brand new 400-card conversation deck if you want something you can bring straight to the table this holiday season!
👉 Use discount code ZOE at the checkout link below for $10 off the card game! 👈
👉 https://www.partyqs.com/conversation-... 👈

If you’ve ever left a holiday feeling misunderstood or wishing the conversation went deeper, this episode will help you feel grounded, peaceful, and prepared. These steps work for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering where emotions, expectations, and personalities collide. Let’s make this the first year you leave dinner feeling truly connected.

Download the Party Q’s app or pre-order the Party Q’s card game using the link below to make this year’s family conversations the best they’ve ever been.

Help me (Zoe) get to know YOU (yes, you, the person behind this screen) with this quick 2-minute form 👉 https://shorturl.at/b0gmy 👈 As a thank you, I’ll email you my "Asking Better Questions" guide with my 15 favorite conversation starters!

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Want to work with Zoe 1-on-1 for personalized friendship coaching for that extra push and source of accountability? Zoe has limited slots available on a rolling basis, so please email [email protected] (subject line: COACH ME) and the team will be in touch with next steps!

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